Ancestors and Legacy
What is an ancestor? The American Heritage College dic-tion-ar-y gives two definitions
an•ces•tor n. 1. A person from whom one is descended, esp. more remote than a grandparent; a forebear. 2. Law. The person from whom one inherits an estate.[1]
Both definitions accurately describe my great grandmother, Mary Ella Williams. She is a generation beyond my grandmother and left a vast estate for her descendants.
One part of the estate was the home she and her husband purchased in 1900.
In addition to this home, there were four other rental homes that contributed to family income. Her children — the descendants — inherited those properties, photos, furniture, letters, postcards, letters, postcards, and much more.
My great grandmother meticulously documented the family’s life. She communicated with them wherever they were. If they took too long in responding, she used the fastest method available — a telegram.
This documentation included friends and family members who lived in other cities and states. Between 1900 and 1936, she did what Charles L. Blockson recommended in his book, Black Genealogy.
“Never, never, never trust your memory with ‘word of mouth’ information! Write it down immediate and date it.” [2]
My great grandmother did that and more. She taught her children to do as she did. They passed these directions to me. When her mother transitioned, they recorded the death in the family Bible, and saved the newspaper announcement.
I believe my great grandmother designated me at my birth as the one to continue the tradition of documenting the legacy. According to my mother
Your great grandmother came to me in a dream saying I should return to Georgia to have my baby. I did that; and your grandmother, a midwife, delivered you.
Your great grandmother’s portrait hung over the bed. She was very present in the room.
Together, these three women guided me over the years as I continue their legacy of recording family history. I am the family historian.
Mary Ella Williams taught her daughters well. They, in turn, passed on the legacy and the estate to their children. Each succeeding generation learned the importance of documenting our history. I am GRATEFUL for their intention and love of family. I know they are present with me every moment of my life.
Sources
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[1]The American Heritage College dic.tion.ar.y
[2] Blockson, Charles L. Black Genealogy.
Marshall, Mary. The M. Marshall Collection
The Augusta Chronicle, Augusta, GA.
